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On the occasion of World Environment Day, actress, activist, and founder of No More Tears, Somy Ali spoke passionately about the environmental challenges facing the world and the urgent need for people to reconnect with nature before it’s too late.
Reflecting on the biggest environmental concerns of our time, Somy said the crisis goes beyond climate statistics and environmental reports.
“The biggest problems are the ones we can no longer ignore—climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation, and the rapid loss of biodiversity. But for me, the deepest crisis is the disconnect between humanity and nature. When we destroy the environment, we are also destroying the future of our children and the most vulnerable. Every flood, every heatwave, every species that disappears quietly adds to the suffering of those who have the least,” she said.
Somy expressed particular concern about the devastating impact of plastic pollution, calling it one of the most dangerous threats to the planet.
“Plastic pollution is choking our planet. It doesn’t just sit in landfills—it breaks down into microplastics that enter our soil, rivers, oceans, and even our bodies. Marine life is dying after mistaking plastic for food. Birds and animals are starving with stomachs full of waste. The same plastic that gives us convenience for five minutes destroys life for hundreds of years. We are literally poisoning the Earth that sustains us,” she said.
The actress and humanitarian believes environmental responsibility begins with everyday choices and conscious living.
“I try to live as consciously as I can. I switch off the lights and the air conditioner the moment I leave the room. I have a small garden on my balcony where I grow plants, which brings me peace and reminds me to stay connected with nature. I never use single-use plastic bags—I carry my own reusable NMT jute bags everywhere because they can be reused and recycled,” she shared.
She also emphasized the importance of conserving water and reducing waste wherever possible.
“I save water by ensuring taps are tightly closed and by reusing water whenever I can. I also believe in cremation and organ donation so that even after I am gone, my body can give back to the Earth and help others. For me, caring for the planet is not a one-day effort; it is a way of life,” she added.
Looking ahead to the future, Somy painted a concerning picture of what the world could look like if environmental degradation continues unchecked.
“If we continue like this, 2050 will be a very different and painful world. Many coastal cities will be underwater. Extreme heat waves will become the new normal. Clean drinking water will turn into a luxury. Children will grow up knowing only stories about tigers, coral reefs, and clean rivers. The inequality gap will widen even more—the rich may find ways to survive, but the poor and vulnerable will suffer the most. I don’t want that future for the children we rescue, or for any child,” she said.
Concluding with a heartfelt message for World Environment Day, Somy urged people to understand that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to meaningful change.
“My message is simple but urgent: Stop treating the Earth like it owes us everything while we give it nothing in return. Every small choice matters—the bag you carry, the water you save, the plastic you refuse. We don’t need to be perfect. We just need to be consistent and conscious,” she said.
Drawing a connection between her humanitarian work and environmental responsibility, she added,
“If we can protect one child, one woman, one life through No More Tears, we can also protect the planet that gives all of us life. Let’s leave the Earth better than we found it—not just for ourselves, but for every generation that comes after us.”
